Rokita Distributes Voting Equipment Funds to Owen County

Indianapolis, IN - Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita today distributed election reform money to Owen County. This is the latest round of funding Rokita's office is sending to counties from the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002. Owen County is receiving $126,000 in federal and state money that is being distributed by the Secretary of State's office. This brings to $17.5 million the total distributed under HAVA to Indiana counties since Rokita's office began distributing funds to help pay for voting equipment upgrades resulting from the required phase-out of lever and punch card voting machines.

"We're glad to receive this money because it allows us to move on with our voting machines," said Owen County Clerk Nick Robertson. "We're happy this phase is complete and we're excited this is all coming together."

"It's great to see federal money being put to good use to help ensure fair and efficient elections for Hoosiers," Rokita said. "Owen County can now focus on other election matters."

Congress passed HAVA in response to issues in various parts of the country during the 2000 Presidential Election. HAVA requires states and counties to replace all punch card and lever machine voting systems by January 1, 2006. A number of Indiana counties will be eligible for additional funding in the coming months.